An international probe into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri has not amassed enough evidence to convict Syrian officials of the murder, Israeli officials believe.

A projected international tribunal, if established, will have great difficulty functioning in the shadow of Lebanon's new government, they said.

During the recent violent clashes in Lebanon, Syria reportedly pressured Hezbollah to destroy the power centers of Lebanon's parliamentary majority and undermine Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. By contrast, Iran played a moderating role.

A key reason for Syria's stance was fear that Siniora would support the international tribunal. In the new government, the opposition will hold more than a third of the seats. This means that members from Hezbollah and its allies will be able to sabotage any attempt to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, or with a subsequent trial.